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New Policy Centre champions UK manufacturing SMEs

Giving Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises a Seat at the Top Table of British Government

Phil Black - PII Editor 16/12/2025

111 3 minutes read

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A new independent Policy Centre has been set up to give the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing and engineering a strong and unified voice in government decision-making.

With over 325,000 SMEs operating in the engineering and manufacturing sectors—many of which are vital links in supply chains—these businesses play a crucial role in the UK economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering growth. However, their experiences and insights have often been overlooked in national policy discussions.

The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs, backed by Enginuity (previously known as the Sector Skills Council), aims to change that by bringing together industry leaders, sector bodies, policymakers, and government officials. Its goal is to ensure that the challenges faced by British SMEs are not just acknowledged but actively shape policy development at the highest levels.

Mission and Objectives

The Centre’s mission is to engage directly with SMEs, amplifying their voices as an independent mediator that connects industry, policy organizations, and government to focus on skills and policy priorities that promote growth and sustain a resilient supply chain.

As the budget approaches, Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, shared her thoughts:

“SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet they often struggle to make their voices heard by those crafting policy in key areas of government. It’s essential for policymakers to listen. Effective government policy relies on genuine engagement with the individuals and organizations whose insights and experiences are vital for its success. While SMEs are numerous, this can make it challenging to identify and engage them, and their individual voices often lack the unity, amplification, and clarity needed. That’s where Enginuity’s Policy Centre can truly shine, serving as the hub for collaboration between SMEs, the government, and others, ensuring that constructive engagement and dialogue take place.”

The Policy Centre is stepping up as a supportive partner and a thoughtful critic to the UK Government, pushing for policies and skill development that truly reflect the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its goal is to nurture a strong and resilient industrial foundation that fuels the UK’s economic growth.

Through advocacy, campaigns, and direct engagement, SMEs will gain fresh opportunities to sway decision-makers and see their input turned into real results. The Centre will also offer guidance to help businesses navigate policy shifts and engage in discussions backed by solid evidence.

Sector Support and Endorsements

Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, expressed his thoughts:

“Congratulations to Enginuity for launching the Policy Centre – this is a significant leap forward, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey with you. It’s fantastic to see the Policy Centre being established to ensure SMEs have a voice in shaping the skills agenda and opportunities within our industry.”

Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), shared her perspective:

“The Policy Centre brings much-needed attention to the genuine challenges that smaller manufacturers face. Skills and supply-chain issues continue to impact many of our members, and having a clearer evidence base will help steer the national conversation in a more practical direction.”

Andrea Wilson, the Managing Director of Hone-All Precision Ltd, expressed her concerns by saying:

“For more than 30 years, the voices of UK manufacturing SMEs have been overlooked by the Government. This has led to a skills system that fails to meet our needs, a support system that doesn’t provide the sustainability we require, and a regulatory framework that hinders our growth. With SMEs making up over 99% of all UK manufacturing firms, we desperately need a strong advocate to champion our needs, challenge the status quo, and foster positive change for our workforce and businesses.”

Dr. Florian Kamelger, CEO of Cosworth, chimed in:

“We require a clear and direct line to the Government to address our needs, concerns, and skills gaps. The Policy Centre provides us with that vital access.”

We invite policymakers, industry partners, and businesses eager to support SMEs and the supply chain to reach out to the Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs. You can find more information at: The Policy Centre – powered by Enginuity.

About Enginuity

Enginuity is dedicated to ensuring that the UK engineering and manufacturing sector has the right talent with the right skills at the right time to tackle society’s biggest challenges. For more details, visit: enginuity.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Dan Kirkby at 07785 392735 or dan@dkpr.co.uk.